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Here's everything you need to know for planning your visit:

Festival location

(See Google view.) The main festival venue is at the Old Fort, on the waterfront of historic Stone Town.

This World Heritage Site is part of Zanzibar Town. Most places are within easy walking distance, although it can be hot in the middle of the day and it's easy to lose yourself in the endless narrow alleyways - so you might consider taxis at times.

From Dar you can get a local-hop connection at 10% off with Coastal Aviation - Festival official local airline.

Visas

The requirements and rules regarding visas vary according to your nationality and country of residence. Please check well in advance.

Ferries

Zanzibar is served by a number of ferry companies to/from Dar es Salaam. There are several fast hydrofoil crossings daily (2hr) plus several slower vessels(4hr). Non Residents should expect to pay up to US$50 incl port tax one-way.

Local transport

Taxis from the airport can cost up to US$15.

Taxis anywhere within town up to US$5. There are also "boda boda" motorcycle taxis for less than US$2.

For airport, and elsewhere on the island, people use "dala dalas" shared minibuses. They tend to leave once they are full and stop often to drop and pick passengers - so not the quickest, but affordable and fun.

Accommodation

We recommend that visitors to the festival stay in or near Stone Town on the nights of 8 - 11 February 2018 (Thu – Sun). Please make arrangements as soon as possible, as most hotels are booked well in advance.

Safety & security

Zanzibar is a peaceful location inhabited by peaceful people. However, it is in the best interest of all visitors to "wise-up" on a few simple "dos and don'ts".

Please avoid walking around with more valuables than you need, especially late at night, or on the beaches.

Please be mindful that what maybe quite "normal" behaviour or dress-code in some cultures may invite attention or cause offence in others.

What to bring

Zanzibar in February can be hot and sunny. Think about sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream and loose baggy clothes). Also, in the streets of Stone Town, please respect that showing too much flesh may offend local (Muslim) standards.

Bring your camera - and any special batteries. Town power is 240v and mostly square pin sockets (like UK). Internet is widely available.

Some restaurants and hotels have WiFi - so you might consider bringing that laptop or tablet.

Obviously, there will be opportunities for beaches and swimming. Plastic shoes or sandals are recommended for shoreline walks at low tide.

What else to see and do

While visiting Zanzibar you may also be interested in some of the following: